* Maha Music Festival capped off its biggest year yet with a successful day of music Saturday, August 11th at Aksarben Village's Stinson Park, 67th Street and West Center Road. The four-year-old music festival brought more than 4,000 attendees to catch headliners Garbage and the Conor Oberst-fronted Desaparecidos, as well as a host of local and national indie rock acts. Garbage's grunge-lite industrial-sheen alternative rock brought in hordes looking to catch singer Shirley Manson and her recently reunited bandmates, while Desaparecidos drew in indie-emo devotees of the short-lived punk-leaning rockers, the day's best sets were provided by the diverse and well-curated selection of established touring indie acts like the Dum Dum Girls and Delta Spirit. Nebraska-born Josh Rouse, who cut his musical teeth in Nashville and now resides in the quietitude of Spain, was the event's low-key highlight, as he ran through some of his best melodies, armed only with an acoustic guitar and a few harmonicas. Rouse is a treasure for fans of articulate, understated pop music in the vein of Ron Sexsmith, Elliott Smith, Freedy Johnston or Joe Jackson.

* A host of Omaha bands will gather Friday, August 17th at the Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. for a benefit show celebrating the life of local rock drummer Javier Ochoa. Ochoa, who recently played in Led Zeppelin cover band The Song Remains the Same and original act Diana and the Maries, died of a heart attack June 19th. Acts at the show include The Get/Ground Tyrants, Janglepop, The Filter Kings and Secret Weapon. The show costs $7 at the door.

* Rainy Road Records is drawing up details from a label showcase Sunday, October 7th at the Barley Street Tavern, 2735 North 62nd St. The show will surround the dual release celebrations for Baby Tears' Rusty Years vinyl LP release and Worried Mothers' new cassette unveiling.

* House of Loom, 1012 South 10th St., will host iconic East Coast DJ Rich Medina as part of the south downtown club's first anniversary party Saturday, August 18th. Loom staff will also assemble a time capsule to commemorate the year and invite club patrons to contribute items to the collection. Cover for the night is only $5 and kicks off at 9 p.m.

posted at 07:43 am on Tuesday, August 14th, 2012

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